What’s one thing you could be doing for your health right now that you might not be? How about seeing your doctor for an annual exam!
While making and keeping up with regular doctors visits might not seem like a “big deal” to do in your younger days, it’s something your future self will appreciate. After all, it was during a routine visit to my gynecologist in 2013 that led to my thyroid cancer diagnosis (I had no symptoms and felt fine). At the time, I was 26 years old, and the furthest thing from my mind was a cancer diagnosis.
When the pandemic hit, I, along with many other people, delayed some medical appointments for either fear of a COVID exposure or because my doctor’s office was actually closed. I remember missing a follow-up eye appointment and delayed going for some breast imaging (none of which I am proud of). But I was a caregiver to someone in a vulnerable group, and the risk of exposure was terrifying to me. Now, still a caregiver, it’s hard to find time for my own medical appointments.
So, I recently made it a point to play catch up. I went to the ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam (my last one was in late 2019). I followed-up with my Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor after a recent double ear infection. I saw my endocrinologist for my six-month appointment, blood work, and medication renewal. And I just went to my gynecologist (yes, the same one who found my thyroid nodule) for my yearly exam. Oh, and I made a dentist appointment for next month!
While adulting may be hard (heck, we are responsible for keeping our own selves going), it’s important to keep on top of those routine appointments. Just as you maintain your car and take it for regular maintenance to keep it running, you need to do the same for yourself. And, if you don’t want to remember to make all those medical appointments, have a friend or loved one remind you.
Trust me, your future self will be grateful. And, you will be proud of yourself, too!
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